Maldonado says Luxa is "happy again" at Flamengo.
The midfielder, who knows the coach well, celebrates the coach's quick integration with the group.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Vanderlei Luxemburgo's confidence in Maldonado is nothing new. The player has worked with the coach at other teams and they have known each other well for quite some time. Therefore, the Chilean midfielder is one of the members of the current Flamengo squad who can best analyze these first days of the coach at the helm of the team from Gávea. And for the number 13, the assessment is entirely positive.
For the defensive midfielder, the coach seems happier after securing his return to Gávea. Perhaps because his time at Atlético Mineiro wasn't so positive, he arrived at Flamengo with a strong desire to win, which quickly won over the group of players.
"I think Vanderlei is happy again. When he left Atlético, I noticed he was downcast. Now, he's back to being the Vanderlei he always was and is very eager to work and improve. Flamengo has been very good for him, especially since it's the club he loves," he explained.
Highly praised by Luxemburgo, he explained what it means to be a "tactical player." In a humorous tone, he revealed that he's even a little hesitant when receiving praise from the coach. After all, the coach might give him a dressing-down the next day.
"I can study the game. When a full-back advances, I stay as a third center-back, helping further back. If there's space, I occupy the middle. When the coach gives me confidence, I feel more comfortable doing that. But I'm even afraid he (Luxemburgo) will say that and then give me a scolding tomorrow (laughs)," he added.
For the defensive midfielder, the coach seems happier after securing his return to Gávea. Perhaps because his time at Atlético Mineiro wasn't so positive, he arrived at Flamengo with a strong desire to win, which quickly won over the group of players.
"I think Vanderlei is happy again. When he left Atlético, I noticed he was downcast. Now, he's back to being the Vanderlei he always was and is very eager to work and improve. Flamengo has been very good for him, especially since it's the club he loves," he explained.
Highly praised by Luxemburgo, he explained what it means to be a "tactical player." In a humorous tone, he revealed that he's even a little hesitant when receiving praise from the coach. After all, the coach might give him a dressing-down the next day.
"I can study the game. When a full-back advances, I stay as a third center-back, helping further back. If there's space, I occupy the middle. When the coach gives me confidence, I feel more comfortable doing that. But I'm even afraid he (Luxemburgo) will say that and then give me a scolding tomorrow (laughs)," he added.
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